New Zealand announced on Friday the temporary closure of its embassy in Tehran and the evacuation of its diplomatic staff due to the deteriorating security situation in Iran. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the diplomatic team has safely departed Iran on commercial flights overnight. Embassy operations have been relocated to the Turkish capital, Ankara. The ministry said its ability to provide consular assistance to New Zealanders in Iran is "very limited." The spokesperson explained that significant communication difficulties are hindering New Zealanders from contacting their families and friends in Iran, advising them to "all New Zealanders currently there to leave the country immediately." They added: "We continue to advise against travel to Iran."
